Saudi Arabian Resorts Earn DarkSky Certification

• Desert Rock Resort and Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Saudi Arabia, are the first resorts to receive DarkSky's Approved Lodgings & Resorts certification.
• The certification program assesses a facility's location, dark sky quality, and nighttime lighting practices.
• Nujuma offers guided stargazing tours led by a resident astronomy expert.
• Desert Rock Resort provides guests with access to an Astronomy Centre and night hiking trails for stargazing.
• Both resorts are committed to minimizing light pollution to preserve the night sky and support local wildlife.

Two resorts in Saudi Arabia have become the first properties globally to receive DarkSky International's Approved Lodgings & Resorts certification. Desert Rock Resort and Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, were recognized for their commitment to preserving dark skies and offering guests exceptional stargazing experiences.

The certification program, launched by DarkSky International, evaluates facilities based on criteria such as the quality of the local night sky and the implementation of responsible outdoor lighting practices. Both resorts are situated in locations with minimal light pollution, providing ideal conditions for observing celestial phenomena.

Nujuma, named after the Arabic word for 'stars,' offers beachfront villas with expansive windows for night sky viewing and features a resident astronomy expert who leads guided stargazing tours. Desert Rock Resort, nestled within the Hijaz Mountains, provides villas and suites with panoramic views and an Astronomy Centre equipped with powerful telescopes for observing planets, meteor showers, and constellations. The resort also offers night hikes and educational experiences focused on Arabian astronomy and its cultural significance.

Both establishments prioritize protecting the night sky by limiting unnecessary artificial light, thereby maintaining natural light-dark cycles crucial for local wildlife. This initiative aligns with a growing trend in astrotourism, offering unique travel experiences centered around celestial observation.